VICTORIA Pendleton is the bookies’ favourite to leave Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, despite a daring high wire entrance on a BMX bike last week.

Victoria Pendleton is the bookies' favourite to be eliminated from the BBC1 show []

As dance partner Brendan Cole revealed that the Olympic gold medallist has been struggling, the 32-year-old now heads the betting 13/8 with both William Hill and Coral to be eliminated from the BBC1 show.

Asked if he has had to support Victoria mentally, 36-year-old Brendan said: “I probably do more of that than I teach. But it’s a hell of a thing she’s doing.

“These guys are putting themselves under a lot of stress and pressure to get one dance right every week and it’s not so much doing it in front of the audience, you want to do it right for yourself. Even though it’s only a dance entertainment show you want to get it right and if things go wrong it’s frustrating.

“There’s no life-changing pressure but there is still pressure. There are lots of moments when I know when to say something and when not to say something. I’m getting good at that.”

I probably do more of that than I teach. But it’s a hell of a thing she’s doing

Brendan Cole

Coral spokesman Gary Burton said: “Victoria has had her troubles this series and after last week’s lowest judges’ score, she is expected to struggle again.

She could be in the danger zone once more.” Fellow Olympian Louis Smith continues to head the outright betting. He is 11-8 favourite to win, ahead of Denise Van Outen at 13-8.

Last week, at the Wembley Arena show, Victoria went to great lengths to maintain her sparkle as she showcased the £200-a-time St Tropez Diamond Tan.

The bronzing spray contains real diamonds to give skin an iridescent glow. It is said to be the world’s most expensive tanning treatment.